The aviation industry is up in arms over the jet fuel price increase, saying they will be forced to effect a corresponding hike in ticket prices to offset costs. However, they also fear a consequent slide in passenger numbers if fares keep on rising.
India’s largest travel trade association with more than 2,500 members, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), has also highlighted the issue of rising ATF several times as prices have increased over 120% since June 2021. Jyoti Mayal, president, TAAI, said, “We are looking towards the government to take steps to control the rise. Our members have already started complaining that travellers are moving from air travel to other means, especially railways. We are going through the peak tourist season and a sudden price rise has once again devastated the industry. While the government is doing its best to manage international hikes by finding other means and avenues to buy oil from different countries, at the domestic level, states must come forward to reduce taxation and support the travel industry.”
